Ryan Day Aims to Solidify Ohio State’s Quarterback Battle Two Weeks Before Epic Season Opener Against Texas

Ryan Day wants to finalize Ohio State’s quarterback competition soon. He hopes to name a starter by the end of next week, ideally giving that player a couple of weeks to prepare before the season opener against Texas on August 30.

In a recent interview, Day expressed a desire for clarity in the position. “I’d like to see continued competition this week, maybe into next week,” he explained. He emphasized the need to settle on a starter well before the game. If neither Julian Sayin nor Lincoln Kienholz stands out in practice, Day might announce a choice during a scheduled press conference on August 18.

This approach is consistent with Day’s history at Ohio State. Last year, he named a starting quarterback just days before the season, and similar timelines were followed in previous years. Only twice in his tenure has he allowed the competition to stretch into the season: once in 2023, when Kyle McCord and Devin Brown battled for the spot, and again in 2018, when Dwayne Haskins was chosen just before the opener.

Day is now focused on performance consistency and minimizing turnovers. He noted the progress from both quarterbacks but acknowledged that more growth is needed. “They both have their moments, but the competition continues,” he said.

Offensive coordinator Brian Hartline is equally cautious, praising the competitive spirit between Kienholz and Sayin. He believes that this rivalry benefits not just the quarterbacks but the entire team. “Competition can bring out the best in individuals,” Hartline remarked, suggesting it could lead to more effective gameplay.

Wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate also hope for a swift decision. They shared that constantly swapping quarterbacks disrupts the rhythm of the offense. “When there are two quarterbacks, it’s hard to get a drive rolling,” Tate stated.

The importance of having a clear starter cannot be overstated. Studies have shown that teams with stable quarterback situations generally perform better. For instance, a recent survey indicated that teams with starting QBs who played in at least 90% of snaps last season had 20% better win rates.

As Ohio State navigates this competition, the insights from coaches and players highlight that establishing a starter could be the key to a successful season.



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